After Canton Revokes Massage Parlor's License, Saline Officials Concerned About New Business

City officials are investigating a new massage parlor scheduled to open in the Oaks Plaza.

Mulan Massage Center, which has offices in Novi, Brighton, Canton, West Bloomfield and Highland, could soon open in Saline between Jensen’s Pharmacy and the former Gabriel’s Cheese Steak restaurant.

On Wednesday, Tom Liu, owner of the chain, said a few inspections were scheduled for the end of the week and that, if they went well, the massage business could open next week.

Officials from the City of Saline, however, are taking extra interest in the business after the Detroit Free Press reported that Canton Township revoked the massage establishment license and denied the business’s appeal.

According to the Detroit Free Press and Canton Township Board documents the Ford Road establishment was investigated by a joint task force from Canton Township police, the Oakland County Sheriff and the Department of Homeland Security. The investigation determined women were “habitually residing” in the business, according to Canton Township documents. The Asian women living on the premises were also not licensed by the state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and the investigation was ongoing. The Free Press reported there was a wider investigation of human trafficking.

The Saline Post reached out to Mayor Brian Marl, who said he was “deeply troubled” after reading similar reports.

“I have asked staff to look into this matter and determine what recourse we have as a community,” Marl said.

It doesn’t appear the city licenses massage parlors like Canton does.

Liu and a woman who were at Mulan Massage Center Wednesday spoke broken English and communication proved difficult. Liu said they will not have women living in the premises.

According to the Free Press, a lawyer and friend of Liu said there are no sexual activities taking place at the Mulan Massage Center.

Comments on several online massage parlor review sites appear to back that claim, as some seemingly disappointed customers complained they were unable to receive any services other than the massage.

The Mulan Massage Center in Saline has three massage rooms, a shower, bathroom and laundry room.